Green tea is the most widely produced and consumed type of tea in China. With a history stretching back thousands of years, Chinese green tea has developed a rich diversity of varieties due to differences in geography, tea cultivars, and traditional processing methods. Each type offers a unique experience of aroma, flavor, and visual appeal. Below are some of the most representative and celebrated types of Chinese green tea.
1. West Lake Dragon Well (Xihu Longjing)
Originating from the scenic mountains around West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Longjing is perhaps the most famous Chinese green tea. Known for its “four perfections”—green color, rich aroma, mellow taste, and beautiful shape—it has flat, smooth leaves and a fresh, slightly nutty taste with a lingering sweetness. Top-tier Longjing comes from specific areas like Shifeng and Longjing Village.
2. Biluochun
Biluochun is grown in Dongting Mountain near Suzhou, Jiangsu. Originally named “Scary Fragrance” due to its intense aroma, it was later renamed by an emperor. Its leaves are fine, curled like a snail, and covered in silvery hairs. The flavor is rich yet delicate, with a floral and fruity fragrance that reflects the surrounding orchards where it’s often intercropped.
3. Xinyang Maojian
From Xinyang in Henan province, this tea is hailed as the “King of Green Tea.” Its tightly rolled, needle-like leaves are vibrant green with a fresh, clean taste. Xinyang Maojian is prized for its chestnut-like aroma and long-lasting aftertaste.
4. Huangshan Maofeng
Grown in the misty Huangshan Mountains of Anhui, Maofeng is noted for its slender, slightly curved leaves that resemble bird tongues. The leaves show silvery hairs and a green-yellow hue. This tea is light and floral, with a mellow body and subtle orchid fragrance.
5. Lu’an Guapian
Also from Anhui, Lu’an Guapian is unique among green teas for being made from single mature leaves—no buds or stems. The result is a bold, straight leaf with a rich green color and a distinctive sweet, vegetal flavor. It is both refreshing and resilient to multiple infusions.
6. Taiping Houkui
Another Anhui gem, Taiping Houkui is known for its dramatic appearance—large, flat leaves that often include a bud flanked by two leaves. Grown at high altitudes, this tea delivers a deep, sweet flavor and a lingering orchid aroma. The leaves are robust, offering a rich brew that remains smooth and complex.
7. Lushan Yunwu (Lushan Cloud Mist)
Hailing from Jiangxi’s famed Lushan Mountain, this tea thrives in a cool, misty environment. Its sturdy leaves are covered with fine hair and release a mellow, slightly sweet taste with floral undertones. The name reflects its origin—grown in constant cloud and fog.
8. Anji Baicha (Anji White Tea)
Despite its name, Anji Baicha is a green tea. It’s made from a rare tea cultivar that turns pale white during early spring. Grown in Anji, Zhejiang, it is high in amino acids and low in caffeine, offering a light, sweet taste and a clean, elegant aroma.
9. Duyun Maojian
From Duyun in Guizhou province, this tea is appreciated for its fine, wiry leaves and abundant silvery hairs. Its color is a deep jade green, and the taste is brisk, fresh, and slightly floral. One of its signature traits is the “three greens and three yellows” characteristic—found in the dry leaf, liquor, and leaf base.
10. Emei Zhuyeqing (Emei Bamboo Leaf Green)
Produced in the high mountains of Emei in Sichuan, this tea has flat, bamboo-leaf-like leaves with a tender green hue and glossy finish. Grown at 800–1200 meters, it boasts a clean, sweet flavor and a refreshing aftertaste, making it a favorite among tea connoisseurs seeking high-elevation teas.
Regional Varieties Worth Exploring
In addition to these classics, many regions across China produce distinctive green teas influenced by local climates and traditions. Examples include:
- Rizhao Green Tea (Shandong): Grown in a coastal climate with abundant sunshine, known for its thick leaves and rich flavor.
- Meitan Cuiya (Guizhou): Noted for its clean taste and delicate fragrance.
- Jintan Que She (Sparrow Tongue) (Jiangsu): Named for its shape, this tea has a gentle sweetness and soft texture.
In Summary
Chinese green tea is not a single flavor or style—it is a diverse world unto itself. Whether you prefer the bold freshness of Xinyang Maojian or the floral elegance of Huangshan Maofeng, there’s a green tea to suit every palate. Each variety reflects the terroir, craftsmanship, and centuries-old traditions that define Chinese tea culture.
Exploring these teas is not just about taste—it’s an invitation to travel through China’s landscapes, seasons, and stories, one cup at a time.